There is no greater hurt than being betrayed by someone you loved and trusted and believed loved you. When the person who has betrayed you is someone who held a position of authority the pain seems to be multiplied. We place our trust in someone only to find out that they are not worthy of that trust. It just seems that so many people today believe that it is acceptable to lie, steal, play games and do whatever it takes in order to achieve personal goals or success. Many have learned the ways of the world that are contrary to the Word of God.

I do not condone wrongdoing or ungodly behavior, HOWEVER, I do not EXPECT the ungodly to live honorably. I do, however, expect those who claim the name of Jesus Christ to live by the standard of the Word of God and value honor and integrity. This doesn't mean that we do not fall short and sin. It does not mean that we are perfect but that we are doing our very best by the grace and power of God to live an honest life in the fear of the Lord. To just DO what is right! To BE who we claim to be!

I confess that it breaks my heart every time I hear the news that a minister of the Gospel has abused his God given authority. I confess that it does something to my spirit every time I hear that a minister has left his family or taken funds that did not belong to them. It makes people wonder if they can trust anyone at all anymore. It makes people wonder if they can even trust the God who loves them. AND it gives those who honor God's Authority and are genuine a very bad and undeserved name of shame.

Let's face reality ..our world is lacking true and genuine authority that is honest and humble and sincere and real.

Our reality television shows aren't even real anymore!

But the good news is this .. God isn't like man that he should lie...His authority is supreme and he keeps his word. Always! He never abuses his authority. He does not SAY one thing and DO another. You can count on his Word. Can God count on you to keep your word? Can others count on you to keep your word?

God means what he says and he says what he means and he never says anything mean!
We should mean what we say and say what we mean and never say anything mean!

Be authentic!
Be real!
Be truthful!
Be genuine!
Be sincere!
Be honest!
Be humble!
And be blessed!

This has been so heavy on my heart and it makes my heart bleed. I see abuse of spiritual authority almost daily. HOWEVER, this does not mean that God has not ordained authentic and genuine authority that provides me with protection and blessing. I can never use the failure of one or two leaders as an excuse to dishonor the authority that God has ordained for me. I am responsible for my own life. I am responsible to those who are under my authority and serve in my congregation. I am responsible to be genuine. I am responsible to be honest. I am responsible AND ACCOUNTABLE to those who are over me and are MY authority and also to those who are under my authority. I must realize that as a leader there are those who are following me and if I sin and dishonor the name of Christ they will follow and eventually do the same. The price is too high. I choose to honor the Authority of God. He is my King. I choose to submit myself to God ordained authority.

Finally, Jesus gives us authority and with authority responsibility .

Matthew 28:18-20
All authority (genuine) in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

We see here that God is the AUTHORity and he gave his authority to us but it is so that we will bless others. That is my heart. I pray that God will heal anyone who has been hurt by those who held a position of authority and abused that authority. I pray that they will look to the Cross and be healed and made whole. I pray that they will place themselves under the authority of the great King of the Ages and learn of his love. That they will know that God isn't an abusive Father or leader. That they will understand that there are those who are in authority who are humble and kind. In Jesus Name I pray.

love to all .Pam